World of Warcraft at Ten Ton Hammer

Before introducing you to the changes to Western Plaguelands there are some less visible changes that should be noted. The rather tedious (and some would say annoying) job of faring Argent Crusade reputation via Scourge Stones has been removed, a change that should have taken place long ago. The level range for the newly designed zone has also changed to better implement Blizzard’s grand flow design. The one 50-58 zone has been reduced to a zone more suitable for players level  40-45.


Upon first entrance into the Western Plaguelands it’s clear that this zone has been changed for the better through the effects of Cataclysm. A once dead land, flowers now dot the ground and the grass is slowly coming back to life. The trees have regained their leaves and the whole land practically hums with new growth.


The wildlife here has also taken a turn for the better. While some diseased animals still haunt the landscape, more often than not in post-Cataclysm Western Plaguelands players will find themselves faced with healthy looking animals full of life.


Moving east across the zone players will come across Felstone Field. Before Cataclysm this place was overrun by Scourge and home to one of the many Scourge Cauldrons, which was placed directly in the center of the field. Now, Felstone Field has been reclaimed by the Alliance. The fences have been mended, the buildings repaired, and Allliance Laborer’s work tirelessly on their  growing crops.


Halfway between Felstone Field and Dalson’s Tears a grim sight meets the eye. Formerly in this location there was a small camp filled with Scarlet Crusade members and their pets. Much like the destruction found in Venomweb Vale in Tirisfal Glades this camp has been eradicated, all that remains are bodies engulfed in purple flames.


Moving further east past the carnage of the Scarlet encampment players will be greeted with a much happier sight. The place formerly known as Dalson’s Tears, overrun by Scourge with its very own Scourge Cauldron has also been reclaimed by the Alliance. As such, with pumpkins thriving in the fields and the Scourge ran off, this area has been renamed fittingly; Dalson’s Farm.


Just outside of Dalson’s Farm a grouping of tents has appeared in what is now called the Menders Stead. Residing in these tents are Cenarion Circle members of all races. These Cenarion members are to credit with the reclaiming of Dalson’s Farm, and also perhaps for the general renewal of the Western Plaguelands in general.


A new flight path has also been added here by the Cenarion Circle. Thankfully, players won’t need to walk to gain access to Western Plaguelands in Cataclysm thanks to the new flight paths such as this one.


The road leading north has been cleared of debris. No longer will players find fallen logs and machines of war, nor will Infected Deer be found along this path.


The renewal of the land has drawn in a few new inhabitants. Redpaw Gnolls have taken up residence along the northern road, giving players some new mobs to kill.


The Scarlet forces in the area seem to have vanished. Whether this is because of the recent appearance of the Gnolls, or due to some other reason remains unknown.


Moving further up this road, at the next area of wall that was once overrun with Scarlet forces, it becomes easier to see what may have happened to them. While there is not a living soul to be seen in this area, the Argent Crusade flag now flies here.


Just down the road a small force of Argent soldiers is on patrol, confirming the fact that they are now in charge in this part of the land.


The tower that once held Scarlet forces just before reaching Hearthglen was also claimed by the Argent Crusade. However, while their flags fly on the tower it appears they have been slack in patrolling the area as Gnoll Looters have arrived on the scene. On a brighter note the tower now has it’s very own name; Taelan’s Tower.


When Hearthglen is finally reached it becomes clear that there is indeed an Argent Crusade force in the area, and it’s larger than ever expected. The Scarlet Crusade forces that once dominated Hearthglen are gone, and a new brighter Hearthglen era has begun. While not much has changed except for the owners of Hearthglen, at the very least it’s nice as a Horde player to be able to walk into this part of the zone without fear of attack.